Manchester United overcame a tricky and depleted Leicester City side 2-0 to secure a top four finish in the 2019/20 Premier League.
Manchester United and Leicester City took to the pitch in what could be labelled as a ‘final’ in the race for top four. Leicester needed a win, but were seemingly comfortable absorbing pressure and hitting United on the break. Manchester United had the lion’s share of possession, but were always under the threat of being overrun by the Foxes on the break.
The first half ended with a couple of hiccups for the Manchester United defence, with David de Gea almost producing another howler while Bruno Fernandes found the back of the net from a sumptuous Paul Pogba pass only to be flagged for being offside.
The second half saw Leicester try and seize the momentum of the game, with United surprisingly trying to run the clock down. One nervy moment from Leicester saw Fernandes find Anthony Martial, who was brought down in the box to give United a penalty. Bruno converted to give United the lead and soon, Jonny Evans doubled the trouble for Leicester, with a rash challenge earning him an early shower.
As stoppage time trickled towards the end, Kasper Schmeichel had a forgetful moment and Jesse Lingard was present to grab the last goal of Manchester United’s 2019/20 Premier League campaign, ensuring United finish third in what can only be described as a momentous comeback from being 14 points off the Foxes during the second half of the season.
Let us take a look at how the individuals fared.
David de Gea – 5.5
Another important match; another nervy outing for de Gea. The Spaniard almost fumbled the ball in the first half and while he did manage to save the rebound from Jamie Vardy with his face before Vardy was called offside, the inability to clutch a simple mishit shot shows problems that go deeper than form.
De Gea was caught ball watching a couple of times in the second half, with one of the shots hitting the post. United seriously need to test the Dean Henderson theory.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7
A good day for Wan-Bissaka, who, to his credit, really stuck in whenever the Leicester players drove down his flank. Returned to his usual swagger at the back, with 5 successful tackles to his name. Did his job well and ended the season with the highest number of tackles overall.
Victor Lindelof – 7.5
Victor Lindelöf’s game by numbers vs. Leicester City:
100% aerial duels won
100% tackles won
80% pass accuracy
5 ball recoveries
3 clearances
2 interceptions
0 goals concededVery impressive. ? pic.twitter.com/eYqcAMRykE
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 26, 2020
A rare day when most would agree that Lindelof was the better half of the centre-back pairing. Lindelof looked composed after some early nerves and was arguably the one keeping Jamie Vardy in check. Made a total of 10 ball recoveries, clearances and interceptions and ensured United kept their clean sheet.
Harry Maguire – 6.5
Harry Maguire is the first Manchester United outfield player to play every minute in a Premier League season since Gary Pallister in 1994/95 ? pic.twitter.com/kjJlyv3ivy
— utdreport (@utdreport) July 26, 2020
The early yellow card did not do him any favours, with his reckless challenge at the halfway line putting more pressure on him and the defence from the early stages. Did do decent to finish the entire game without being given an early shower and would be delighted at becoming the first player since Gary Pallister to play every minute of Manchester United’s Premier League season.
Brandon Williams – 8
Man of the match on the day. Young Brandon Williams seems to be good at shouldering the responsibility in crunch matches. Against a tricky Leicester lineup that had Kelechi Iheanacho, Vardy, Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes all starting, Williams did well to keep them in check while continuously being a thorn in attack. Embarked on good overlaps.
Nemanja Matic – 6
Gave away possession cheaply in the first half, almost costing United a goal. But, Matic recovered well, with his pass almost providing an assist. Good end to the season for the Serb, who has once again become a vital cog in midfield for United.
Paul Pogba – 5.5
Paul Pogba’s game by numbers vs. Leicester City:
83% pass accuracy
5 accurate long passes
4 tackles won
3 ball recoveries
3 fouls suffered
2 successful take-ons
2 passes into the box
1 blockA bit of everything. ?? pic.twitter.com/D9BzgMwjyp
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 26, 2020
Another player who almost cost Manchester United goals in recent times and almost cost another against Leicester on Sunday. Did play a great lob to Bruno Fernandes, who converted but was adjudged offside. All in all, a few forgetful outings for Pogba, with the focus now turning towards Europa League and the upcoming season.
Mason Greenwood – 5
A rare bad performance from Greenwood, who was almost invisible on the pitch. Marked off the ball well by Leicester, Greenwood found it hard to get going and whenever he tried, he was closed down or intercepted quickly.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
The entire forward line was poor against Leicester and even though Fernandes was one of them, he still made his presence known for the first goal; creating the opportunity for Martial and then converting the penalty. Would be happy with his contribution to Manchester United’s comeback in the second half of the season.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Rashford has been a distant shadow of his former self since the restart. On Sunday, Rashford made good runs, got on the end of good balls and in good positions a couple of times before blowing it away. Just seems to be rushing things a bit in front of goal these days.
The after effects of his injury might still be lingering, but the English international must now quickly brush these things aside and pull up for the Europa League.
Anthony Martial – 6.5
In 2019/2020, Anthony Martial had the best PL season of his career so far by:
• shots (80)
• penalty area shots (50)
• shots on target (40)
• goals + assists (23)
• goals (17)
• xG (13.24)
• = assists (6)Worn the no. 9 well this season. ??? pic.twitter.com/EaEwvOsPeE
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 26, 2020
Earned the penalty well but could have converted a chance earlier had he chosen not to cut inside like he usually does. Still a lot left for Martial to champion when it comes to playing as a true number 9 for Manchester United.
Substitutions
Jesse Lingard – 8
Lingard may not be among the first names on the team sheets lately. But, the English international showed his pressing skills for the second goal, thanks to Kasper Schmeichel’s abrupt decision to play the ball out instead of hoofing it.
Scott McTominay – N/A
Came on to inject some fresh legs in the midfield.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah – N/A
Would love to have gotten more minutes under his belt but still a good last few matches for the academy graduate.
Odion Ighalo – N/A
Almost pulled off a great run on the bylines. Would be looking to secure a career at Manchester United now.
